Of Ted Nugent Republicans...

Of Ted Nugent Republicans...
by Tim Loughner

I can remember vividly to this day being at Hempfest in downtown Seattle a couple years back passing out The World's Smallest Political Quiz to stoners while feebly attempting to get them to join the Libertarian Party. The aroma of the fresh salt water of the Puget Sound combined with the lovely stench of cheaply grown pot made me ask myself "why am I here?" Oh yeah, to spread the message of Liberty to all those who would hear. All I heard was "hey, those guys want to legalize drugs!"

After events such as those as well as debating all the old timers about whether or not Libertarians should be about collecting votes or just preaching philosophy, I decided it was time to pack up and move on. Now don't get me wrong, I would love to see the Libertarians succeed. Heck, many of my friends are running for state offices under the LP banner. I just am not willing to devote my energy into a party that would rather argue with it's own members with more explosive energy than Mt. St. Helen's rather than use that aggression in debating the Democrats and Republicans.

So where do you go?

I thought about going back to the Republicans from which I came. However, my philosophy and the mainstream conservative mantra just don't match up. For starters, I am not religious (not saying all Republicans are, but the majority are Christians). I think we should legalize drugs - not because I want to do them, but rather to give people the decision to screw up their own lives. I want not just lower taxes, but no taxes except for user fees on goods and services.

Now and then again, I come across this guy named Ted Nugent. Remember him? That guitarist who ran around in a loin cloth, made millions of dollars, lost it all to greedy record producers, and came back with an awesome bowhunting show taking down everything from elk to elephants. Oh yeah, he is a Republican.

Ted does not resemble your typical Republican, toting long hair, a wild eyed glance, and the occasional scruffy beard. He is considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time and lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle of wild parties and women upon women. But oddly enough, he has always been against drugs and drinking which doesn't seem to fit the "wildman" image he was so famous for.

Often seen in full camouflage with a bow and arrow, he is head of the United Sportsmen of America organization taking up the efforts of conservation of wildlife. Nugent is often heard explaining why hunters are the true conservationists - after all, what would hunters hunt without conservation and protection of wildlife? In fact, in 1994 he was honored on floor of the U.S. Senate and in 1999 he was name Conservationist of the Year in Michigan. Additionally, he has been honored by everything from the YWCA to the NRA.

So why have I developed a sudden liking to this man? Well perhaps he does something most are afraid to: speak his mind openly and honestly. He is in to having a good time while still respecting the four F's - Faith, Family, Flag and Freedom. He proves, ultimately, that Republicans are not all a bunch of suits trying to push religion on society (not that religion is bad, mind you).

I remember growing up with a buddy of mine named James. He lived a block away and I would spend afternoons over there playing video games, listening to Black Sabbath and Primus, and chilling with his dad. His dad was the coolest guy I knew for a long time. Constantly working on his Harley Fatboy, he looked like a roadwarrior of sorts - long hair, beard, beer-in-hand and leather everything. He was also a Republican.

Perhaps this is why through school I was perplexed when classmates would discuss politics and claim that Republicans were nothing but big business whores in three piece suits trying to get the working man down. Well geez, every Republican I knew at the time were working folks trying to earn an honest days pay who liked spending time with their families and enjoying freedom. Be it taking a cruise on a Harley, taking a son on a hunting trip or voicing their opinions at the ballot box, freedom is something that I have never seen taken lightly.

America's look at the wildman of rock needs to be revisited and perhaps embraced for what he is. That is what Ted Nugent Republicanism (did I coin a phrase?) is all about, the fundamentals of freedom and the willingness to be yourself.

But perhaps the best summary is this philosophy: "Life begins at Point A and ends at Point B. Kick maximum ass!"